2008 - Columbia River Wine Country Charters
Wenatchee to Portland, 5-night / 6-day
Aboard the 12 Guest Safari Spirit Yacht
Note: The following sample itinerary can be lengthened.
Day 1 Wenatchee, WA to Cave B - North Columbia Valley
Upon arrival at the Wenatchee airport you’ll be met and transferred to the Cave B Inn and Spa at SageCliffe. Located in the heart of Washington’s wine country, the luxurious resort and premium estate winery is the only fully integrated resort and winery in the region. Poised 900’ above the Columbia River, the cliffside estate is carved into a hillside providing dramatic views of the Columbia River and vineyards. After check-in, stroll the winery grounds or perhaps relax at the spa. This evening, experience a Chef’s special dinner prepared by the resort’s Executive Chef, Fernando Divina.
Day 2 Cave B Inn and Spa, boarding the Safari Spirit
Early this morning, join a guided nature hike, go horseback riding or enjoy a hot air ballon ride high above the resort's vineyards. Afterwards, sit down for a relaxed champagne breakfast overlooking the striking river cliffs. At midday, meet Cave B's winemaker for an exclusive barrel wine tasting in the cave and in the adjacent basalt-lined tasting room. Then adjourn to the hilltop roundhouse, offering a panoramic view of the award-winning resort vineyard and of the Columbia River, for a gourmet lunch cooking class. Late afternoon, transfer to the Safari Spirit where the crew will greet you with champagne and hors d’oeuvres. Relax on deck and enjoy the sunset as we begin our cruise towards the Wallula Gap, a geological highlight on the mighty Columbia River. To round out the day, slip into the top-deck hot tub before turning in.
Day 3 Walla Walla Appellation
This morning, travel by executive coach to the appellation in Walla Walla, Washington. Tour L’Ecole Nº 41, an unusual winery located in an historic 1915 Frenchtown schoolhouse. Join your wine "scholar" on a private tour and tasting of prized reserve wines such as an Estate Syrah from the wineries acclaimed partner, Seven Hills Vineyard. As you sip vibrant, aromatic wines surrounded by nostalgic remnants of school classes of long ago, you'll encounter "high marks" with their wine reviews consistently scoring in the 90's. A short distance away is Northstar, a unique destination winery known for their ultra-premium Merlot wines. Learn about their handcrafted limited production award-winning reserve wines during a private tasting and wine production tour. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to blend your own complex Merlot creation under the tutelage of the world-class winemakers. After a specially prepared lunch, savor some of the Walla Walla Appellation's finest Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot as you stroll the landscaped gardens of Basel Cellars Estate Winery. Housed in a subterranean structure, the wine making facilities is modeled after the famous Chateau Mouton Rothschild in the Pauillac Appellation of Bordeaux, France. Upon returning to the yacht, relax on deck as we cruise along the rolling Columbia River. Enjoy the hot tub, read a book, or join the Captain on the bridge to watch the sunset as we transit through the McNary Lock and Dam.
Day 4 Red Mountin and Yakima Valley Appellation
Enjoy breakfast onboard the Safari Spirit before traveling to Hedges Family Estate Winery. The family estate’s Chateau is known for their Cabernet Sauvignon. Enjoy an exclusive tasting in the estate’s private family library. Later, explore the estate's adjacent vineyard and European-styled courtyard garden. At the conclusion of the tour, travel a short distance to Terra Blanca Winery and Estate Vineyard. Join the winemaker for an exclusive tour before enjoying a romantic luncheon in the caves of this bold Tuscany-style winery. Upon exiting the estate’s caves, stroll the cobbled walkways to explore the meticulously landscaped grounds and reflecting lake. Later this afternoon, rejoin the Safari Spirit for sunset cruising along the Columbia River. To end the day of sampling this region's remarkable wines, relax with a glass of fine wine in-hand during a quiet dinner or afterwards in the yacht’s cozy salon.
Day 5 Maryhill Museum / Columbia Gorge Appellation
The kayaks and skiff will be lowered for an up-close exploration of the John Day River this morning. The stretch of wilderness is home to northern harriers, cliff swallows, osprey, mule deer and coyotes. Back onboard, enjoy a special brunch as we are underway for transit through the John Day Lock and Dam. We’ll anchor and visit Maryhill Museum followed by a visit to the Maryhill Winery. The museum's collections are housed in a castle-like chateau situated on a bluff overlooking the Columbia River Gorge. The museum offers an eclectic collection of Native arts, European paintings and the Queen of Romania's personal effects. Our winery visit will include a tasting from a special tasting list. Returning to the yacht down river at The Dalles, joining us is a guest winemaker to present a wine and cheese pairing during cocktail hour. The day ends with a sunset farewell dinner cruise through the Columbia River Gorge followed by a slideshow highlighting the week’s activities.
Day 6 Columbia River Gorge / Bonneville Dam / Transfer
We’ll cruise to the Cascade and Bonneville Locks, entering the lower Columbia River Gorge. The Gorge is a spectacular river canyon, cutting the only sea-level route through the Cascade Mountain Range. Following brunch, disembark for a private tour of the impressive Bonneville Dam, the last dam on the Columbia River. View the massive turbines that produce enormous amounts of hydropower, and step outside to view the fish ladder. Later, enjoy a relaxing lunch at the Multnomah Lodge and view of Multnomah Falls, the tallest falls in Oregon. Afterwards, you’ll transfer to the Portland airport for a late afternoon connection home.
